Plural of calix; cup-shaped structures, especially the outer green parts of flowers that protect developing flower buds.
From Latin calix (cup, chalice) from Greek kalyx. The plural uses the Latin plural form -ices instead of the English -es, reflecting the term's scientific and classical origins.
The calyces you see in a rose—those green leafy parts holding the petals—are basically nature's bodyguards, protecting the delicate flower while it waits to bloom and show off!
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